King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 42:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 42:6 in the King James Version says “For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.”

Ezekiel 42:6 · KJV

Context

4

And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.

5

Now the upper chambers were shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building. were higher: or, did eat of these than the lower: or, and the building consisted of the lower and the middlemost

6

For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.

7

And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.

8

For the length of the chambers that were in the utter court was fifty cubits: and, lo, before the temple were an hundred cubits.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground. The Hebrew šelōšîm (שְׁלֹשִׁים, "three stories") indicates vertical organization. Unlike the open courts with supporting ammudîm (עַמּוּדִים, "pillars"), the chamber complex used a different structural system, causing the building was straitened (ne'ĕṣal, נֶאֱצַל)—narrowed, restricted, set back at each level.

The architectural distinction between pillarless chambers and pillared courts symbolizes different functions: courts for public assembly versus chambers for private priestly service. Public worship and private devotion require different structures. The chambers' increasing restriction at higher levels pictures intensified holiness—not all spaces are equally accessible, just as not all spiritual experiences are corporate. While Christ grants all believers access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22), there remains a "secret place" of intimate communion (Psalm 91:1) requiring withdrawal from public activity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple featured elaborate pillared courts (1 Kings 6-7), as did Herod's temple (John 10:23). Ezekiel's vision maintains court pillars but distinguishes chamber architecture. The three-story design maximized space within the sacred precinct while maintaining separation between holy zones. Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured multi-level designs, but Yahweh's temple uniquely subordinated architectural grandeur to theological meaning. Every measurement pointed beyond itself to divine holiness and covenant relationship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between public courts and private chambers inform your balance of corporate worship and personal devotion?
  2. What does the narrowing of upper chambers teach about the cost and exclusivity of deeper intimacy with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֤י1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְשֻׁלָּשׁוֹת֙2 of 14

“For they were in three”

H8027

to be (causatively, make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years)

הֵ֔נָּה3 of 14
H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

וְאֵ֤ין4 of 14
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָהֶן֙5 of 14
H0
כְּעַמּוּדֵ֖י6 of 14

“as the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

כְּעַמּוּדֵ֖י7 of 14

“as the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

הַחֲצֵר֑וֹת8 of 14

“of the courts”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

עַל9 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֣ן10 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

נֶאֱצַ֗ל11 of 14

“therefore the building was straitened”

H680

properly, to join; used only as a denominative from h0681; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract

מֵהַתַּחְתּוֹנ֛וֹת12 of 14

“more than the lowest”

H8481

bottommost

וּמֵהַתִּֽיכֹנ֖וֹת13 of 14

“and the middlemost”

H8484

central

מֵהָאָֽרֶץ׃14 of 14

“from the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 42:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 42:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 41:61 Kings 6:8

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